PILLEN SIGNS ORDER CUTTING OFF STATE TAX DOLLARS TO NEBRASKA ABORTION PROVIDERS

LINCOLN - Governor Jim Pillen signed an executive order on November 6, 2025, that blocks Nebraska state tax dollars—including Medicaid reimbursements—from medical providers who perform abortions. The directive stipulates that any abortion-provider clinic disciplined or removed from another state’s Medicaid program will likewise be terminated from Nebraska’s program. Officials estimate the impact will cut approximately $250,000 per year in state funds to such providers. 

In leaning on a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision (Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic) that affirmed states’ ability to exclude abortion-providers from Medicaid, the administration and the state attorney general argued the order stands on solid legal ground. Pro-life organizations applauded the move as consistent with Nebraska’s values, while critics warn it may limit access to non-abortion women’s health services from affected clinics.

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UNL FACULTY WILL SEEK 'NO-CONFIDENCE' VOTE AGAINST BENNETT AMID STEEP BUDGET CUTS

LINCOLN - As the University of Nebraska-Lincoln continues to wrestle with significant budget cuts, faculty leaders will call for a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Rodney Bennett later this month. The UNL Faculty Senate overwhelmingly approved a procedural motion Tuesday to bring the largely symbolic resolution criticizing Bennett’s leadership up for a vote on Nov. 18.

Fifty faculty senators voted in favor of scheduling the emergency vote, while four voted against it. There were no abstentions. Bennett’s office declined to comment after Tuesday’s meeting.

The action follows a separate faculty committee's review of Bennett’s plan to close a $27.5 million structural budget deficit at the state’s largest public university campus, which expressed disapproval of several items proposed. Bennett proposed eliminating six academic programs and merging several others as cost-saving strategies, but faculty, students and staff from those departments have pushed back, questioning the methods used and conclusions drawn by the leadership team. The chancellor’s response to the recommendations put forward by the Academic Planning Committee, the group charged with reviewing the proposals, could be made public later this month, roughly mirroring the potential timeline for a no-confidence vote.

For the full article, click HERE.

LINCOLNITE WITH BACKGROUND IN NATIONAL SECURITY ANNOUNCES CONGRESSIONAL BID

LINCOLN – Another candidate has entered the race for Nebraska’s First Congressional District in the 2026 election. Democrat Chris Backemeyer of Lincoln announced his candidacy in a video released on Thursday morning, in which he questioned Republican Congressman Mike Flood at a Lincoln town hall earlier this year on what’s being done to help benefit Nebraskans.  Backemeyer is challenging Flood to take on rising costs, confront our national debt, and bring Nebraska values of hard work and community back to Washington.

“My campaign is about putting people first, and making sure Nebraska values of hard work, fairness, and community guide our country again,” Backemeyer said. “Because if you’re doing everything right and still falling behind, the problem isn’t you — it’s the system, and it’s time to fix it.” 

For the full article, click HERE.

JULIE SLAMA ENDS NEBRASKA TREASURER CAMPAIGN AFTER TWO DAYS

LINCOLN - Former State Sen. Julie Slama suspended her campaign for Nebraska treasurer on Wednesday just two days after launching her bid. 

By coincidence, her campaign began the same day that former Treasurer Tom Briese announced his intention to resign and Gov. Jim Pillen announced that he would appoint Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg to the role. Slama said on social media she did not want to engage in a potentially bitter and expensive primary that doesn’t help the party or voters. She also stated that Spellerberg is the ideal candidate for the role.

“I launched my campaign to bring new energy and a fresh perspective to the state treasurer’s office,” Slama, who lives in Dunbar, said. She said that she met with Spellerberg and that he has the right energy and perspective. Spellerberg and Slama met Wednesday before Slama suspended her campaign.

She said those who donated to her campaign will receive refunds. Slama, 29, received an appointment to the Legislature from then-Gov. Pete Ricketts before winning her seat in 2020. She declined to run for reelection in 2024. Spellerberg, 35, will officially become treasurer on Thursday.

For the full article, click HERE.

NEBRASKA LAWMAKER SAYS HE IS BEING CALLED ON TO RESIGN FOR 'A BAD PUN'

LINCOLN - The Nebraska lawmaker who allegedly groped a legislative staff member this year said he is facing calls to resign over what he described as a joke gone wrong. 

Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst was cited by the Nebraska State Patrol for public indecency last week following an investigation into the May 29 incident. According to the State Patrol, the 59-year-old lawmaker "made inappropriate contact" with a female staff member over her clothes at the Legislature's sine die party for senators and others. The case was turned over to Lancaster County Attorney Pat Condon and scheduled for a Dec. 10 hearing.

"Earlier this year, at the end-of-session gathering, Senator McKeon made a single remark — a joke — to a staff member about her planned trip and hoping she and her husband would receive a 'Hawaiian lei,' or words to that effect," Pirsch said. "And then he patted her on the back," Pirsch said the comment was made in jest and "nothing about his action was in any way sexually charged or lewd," which courts have defined as inciting "sensual desire or imagination."

Wishing the staff member a "Hawaiian lei" was a bad joke, even cliché, but not "objectively lewd conduct," Pirsch added. Once McKeon learned the staff member "had been offended by the comment," he reached out and wrote an apology note in July.
For the full story, click HERE.

OMAHA RECYCLING EXECUTIVE, ARMY RESERVE OFFICER, TO RUN FOR NEBRASKA LEGISLATURE

OMAHA - Patrick Leahy of Omaha announced Wednesday he is running for a seat in the Nebraska Legislature, pledging to use his experience in business, the military and public service to represent District 6. 

The district's current representative is State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, who cannot seek reelection in 2026 due to term limits. 

“Nebraska is facing many challenges — from workforce shortages in nearly every sector, to high property taxes, to rising costs on everyday necessities like housing and childcare, and groceries,” Leahy, 42, said in a press release. “I am running to tackle these issues head on and unapologetically represent hardworking families and small businesses in District 6.” 

Leahy is the chief executive of First Star Recycling, the state's largest recycling provider and "works to advance responsible waste management and sustainability practices across the state." He previously held executive roles at non-profits, overseeing fundraising efforts.

Leahy has served nearly 20 years in the military and is a major in the U.S. Army Reserve, working for U.S. Strategic Command.

He previously served in elected office as a member of the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District Board of Directors from 2013 to 2019. That board oversees flood control, water quality and trail initiatives across the region, and Leahy noted it cut property tax rates during those years.  Leahy's first experience in public service was as a constituent services staffer for U.S. Senator Ben Nelson, Nebraska's last Democrat to win a statewide election. 
For the full article, click HERE.

GOV. JIM PILLEN REQUESTS STATE SENATOR RESIGN AMIDST GROPING ALLEGATION

LINCOLN —Governor Jim Pillen has called for State Senator Dan McKeon of Amherst to resign following a misdemeanor citation for public indecency. The charge stems from an incident in May after the legislative session, where a woman alleged that McKeon groped her over her clothing at a social gathering. Pillen described the allegation as “serious” and “unacceptable,” emphasizing that such conduct is incompatible with the responsibilities of elected office. The governor’s statement marked a firm stance against misconduct among state officials.

McKeon has denied the accusation, calling it false and politically motivated, and said through his attorney that he has no plans to step down. As of now, no formal disciplinary action has been taken by the Legislature, and McKeon remains in his seat. The incident has prompted renewed discussion among lawmakers about accountability and conduct in public service, highlighting the political tension between due process and public expectations of integrity in government.

For the full article, click HERE.

OMAHA TRIBE’S MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION CREATES TENSION IN TOBACCO TAX NEGOTIATIONS WITH STATE

LINCOLN — The Omaha Tribe of Nebraska has moved forward with legalizing medical and adult-use recreational marijuana, establishing a tribal cannabis commission to regulate the industry on tribal land. At the same time, the tribe has been pursuing a new tobacco tax compact with the State of Nebraska. Under the proposal, the tribe would keep 90% of the tobacco tax revenue and take on regulatory authority, similar to but more favorable than an existing compact Nebraska has with the Santee Sioux Nation.

However, the negotiations have become strained. Governor Jim Pillen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers expressed concerns about the tribe’s marijuana law and signaled reluctance to move forward with the tobacco tax agreement while the cannabis issue remains unresolved. The Omaha Tribe’s attorney general accused the state of retaliating by slowing or halting compact discussions in response to the tribe’s cannabis legalization. The situation highlights broader tensions over tribal sovereignty, state authority, public policy priorities, and revenue-sharing across overlapping jurisdictions.

For the full article, click HERE and HERE.

NEBRASKA’S FIRST WOMAN SUPREME COURT JUSTICE HANGS UP ROBE, MULLS NEXT MOVE: ‘I’LL BE USEFUL.’

LINCOLN — Justice Lindsey Miller-Lerman, Nebraska’s first woman to serve on both the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court, has retired after 33 years on the bench — six on the appeals court and 27 on the state’s highest court. Appointed in 1998 by Gov. Ben Nelson, Miller-Lerman was known for her sharp writing, judicial restraint, and ability to make complex law understandable, sometimes using pop culture references to do so. She reflected that her son’s advice — “don’t bore, don’t confuse” — became her guiding principle in crafting opinions. Throughout her career, she broke gender barriers in Nebraska’s legal system, navigating a male-dominated environment with grace and focus on substance over symbolism.

During her tenure, Miller-Lerman authored several landmark decisions, including rulings on capital punishment unanimity, same-sex parental rights, and the Beatrice Six DNA testing case that helped free wrongfully convicted individuals. Her colleagues praised her for her incisive questioning and clarity of thought, qualities that helped shape Nebraska’s modern judiciary. At 78, she said she feels she’s made her contribution and now looks forward to spending more time with family, possibly serving in a limited judicial role. As she put it, closing one chapter of trailblazing service: “I’ll be useful.”

For the full article, click HERE.

UNL USED BAD DATA TO MAKE $27.5 MILLION CUTS, FACULTY SAY

LINCOLN - Chancellor Rodney Bennett is proposing to cut meteorology-climatology and five other programs to address a $27.5 million budget deficit.

“I was in shock, because I knew that budget cuts were going to happen, but I wasn’t thinking about it applying to me in my program. But then it did,” she said. Aurit’s program and five others are on the chopping block for one reason – metrics. 

The university developed a set of metrics, which Bennett called a “strategic, data-driven approach to identify programs for consolidation or elimination.” "A budget reduction of this size requires us to think about this in terms of our core strategic priorities, to do it in a way that’s data-informed, informed by performance metrics and that it’s closely aligned with the NU strategic plan,” Executive Vice Chancellor Mark Button said to reporters in September.

The teaching and research metrics, developed by the executive leadership team, measure and rank every program and ultimately were used to identify programs to be cut. 

Some of these include the number of students in a program, the number of degrees awarded over a five-year period, student retention rates, and the number of credit hours generated by a program. The research metrics largely align with values of the American Association of Universities, such as federal research expenditures, external grants, book publications, awards and citations. 

Based on these metrics, the university used numbers to put every program on the same scale and produce a list of programs that scored poorly and were ultimately selected for elimination.

For the full article on our website, click HERE

GOV. JIM PILLEN SAYS NEBRASKA DELEGATION OVERREACTED TO TRUMP'S ARGENTINA BEEF PLANS

LINCOLN - In a rare rift with President Donald Trump, Nebraska's entirely Republican federal delegation has urged the president not to follow through on his plan to buy Argentinian beef in an effort to lower prices at the grocery store. The officials, along with industry representatives and two Nebraska Republicans running for Congress, agree the move would hurt beef producers.

Gov. Jim Pillen sees the situation differently. Pillen, who is on a trade mission in Israel, said Tuesday that Trump's comments were blown out of proportion and that something should be done to meet demand.

For the full article, click HERE.

NEBRASKA STATE SENATOR CITED FOR ‘PUBLIC INDECENCY’ DURING SESSION-ENDING PARTY

LINCOLN — State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst has been cited for misdemeanor “public indecency” from an incident at lawmakers’ end-of-session party this spring, according to the Nebraska State Patrol. 

Patrol investigators cited him after investigating an allegation by a woman attending a sine die party often attended by staff, family and friends of legislators, Patrol Public Relations Director Cody Thomas confirmed to the Nebraska Examiner. The Patrol received a report in early September about an alleged incident in the evening hours of May 29 at Lincoln Country Club. That is the same time and location that lawmakers attended the first of two post-legislative session sine die parties. 

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BLACK HILLS ENERGY MERGER ADVANCES TO NEBRASKA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

KEARNEY - Black Hills Corp., Lincoln’s natural gas provider, announced that it advances its merger with a Montana-based company to the Nebraska Public Service Commission for consideration.

The utility company announced the merger with NorthWestern Energy in August. The two companies submitted a joint application seeking regulatory approval for a merger Monday. If approved, the merge is expected to go into effect 12 to 15 months after it first announced in August.

Federal and state regulators, including the Nebraska Public Service Commission, will have to approve the merger. The commission will set a schedule for approval in the coming weeks and will hold a final vote on the application sometime in the first half of 2026, said Jason McFarley, a spokesperson for the commission.

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REPORTS: CHINA BUYS SEVERAL SHIPLOADS OF U.S. SOYBEANS AHEAD OF TRUMP TRADE MEETING

LINCOLN - China’s state-owned food processor COFCO reportedly purchased about 180,000 metric tons of U.S. soybeans ahead of a planned meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. This is the first major purchase by China since the start of the U.S. soy harvest. U.S. officials and lawmakers view it as a positive sign of progress in trade negotiations, with Brooke Rollins, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, calling the deal “strong deal-making” and “a positive step forward for our farmers.” 

Despite the optimism, the purchase represents only a small fraction of the roughly 27 million metric tons of soybeans the U.S. exported to China in 2024. Some legislators remain cautious: for example, Chuck Grassley warned that while the transaction may signal momentum, meaningful relief for U.S. farmers will require a fuller reopening of the Chinese market, not just symbolic purchases. 

For the full article, click HERE.

NEBRASKA FACES HUNGER CRISIS AS SNAP BENEFITS HALT AMID FEDERAL SHUTDOWN

LINCOLN - The federal government shutdown has forced the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to pause in states like Nebraska, where about 150,000 low-income residents depend on the program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) directed the pause, and officials in Nebraska say they will not fund the program at state cost, warning such an effort would drain resources. In response, food banks and community organizations are scrambling to fill the gap, and recipients have been urged to call 2-1-1 for assistance with food, housing or financial services.

 Local leaders and nonprofits are raising the alarm because they simply cannot replace the federal program’s scale or speed. Food pantries such as the Food Bank for the Heartland in Omaha already say they are serving four times as many people as in 2018 and expect that demand to climb further. Meanwhile, individuals reliant on SNAP are facing mounting uncertainty. One Nebraska mother said, “I definitely wouldn’t be able to feed myself or my kids without it,” as she braced for the loss of benefits. 

Beyond the immediate hunger crisis, researchers warn that food insecurity leads to deeper health consequences—especially for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women. A study found that food insecurity during pregnancy is associated with higher risks of gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and neonatal intensive-care admission—and that food assistance helps mitigate those risks. The pause of SNAP benefits raises fears these adverse outcomes may increase, just as more families are facing not only hunger but longer-term health dangers. 

For the full article, click HERE, HERE, and HERE.  

FUNDRAISING AND ENDORSEMENTS SHAPE EARLY BATTLE FOR NEBRASKA’S 2ND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Omaha - Business owner and PAC co-founder Denise Powell has taken an early financial lead in the crowded Democratic primary for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District. She raised about $311,490 in the most recent quarter, while other top Democrats in the race—state Sen. John Cavanaugh and Douglas County District Court Clerk Crystal Rhoades—raised $200,164 and $50,710 respectively. Combined, the six Democrats running pulled in around $1.03 million this quarter, underscoring how competitive and expensive the primary will be. Powell also noted that part of her fundraising haul is reserved for the general election, with a preliminary breakdown showing $620,204 allocated for the primary and $121,025 for the general. Nebraska Examiner Despite her fundraising strength, her campaign and rivals acknowledge she must boost name recognition to keep pace with better-known political figures like Cavanaugh and Rhoades, each of whom bring established local profiles.  

On the Republican side, Brinker Harding, an Omaha city councilman, leads GOP fundraising for the open seat—raising $561,527 in the third quarter, compared with former state senator Brett Lindstrom’s $286,958. Harding’s campaign also reported approximately $437,830 cash on hand versus Lindstrom’s $276,120. Nebraska Examiner Harding has spent notably more—about $123,697—on campaign branding, events, apparel, consulting and digital efforts. Lindstrom’s lower spending suggests his strategy relies more on established name recognition from prior runs. Meanwhile, Powell picked up a high-profile endorsement from the women-focused and abortion-rights group EMILY’s List, which rarely endorses in contested primaries with multiple female candidates. The group cited her leadership on state ballot initiatives and community efforts to support women in politics as reasons for its backing.

Together, these developments reflect how both parties are escalating their efforts in Nebraska’s 2nd District ahead of the 2026 election. With incumbent Don Bacon retiring, the open-seat contest has attracted more national attention and financial investment than usual. The fundraising leads and early endorsements give both Harding on the GOP side and Powell on the Democratic side momentum—but name recognition, field strategy, and broader voter outreach will likely determine who emerges from each primary and how competitive the general election becomes. 

For the full article, click HERE, HERE and HERE.

STATE AUDITOR ACTS ON TIP, FINDS ‘TROUBLING’ TOW USE AT NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

LINCOLN - Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley initiated an investigation after receiving a tip about potential misuse of state funds within the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT). The audit uncovered that Loren Cuda, a highway fleet shop supervisor at NDOT, had directed subordinates to use state-issued purchase cards to pay his Wahoo-based towing business for services rendered to the department. Between April 2024 and July 2025, four such transactions totaling nearly $1,000 were identified, despite NDOT possessing its own towing resources. The invoices lacked sufficient details to verify the reasonableness of charges, and the approval process for these purchases was inadequately documented.

Foley expressed concern that these actions might violate the Nebraska Political Accountability and Disclosure Act, which prohibits public officials from using their position for personal financial gain. He has referred the matter to the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission for further review, where violations could lead to misdemeanor charges. In response, NDOT acknowledged potential procedural shortcomings and has suspended future transactions with Cuda's business. The department is also reviewing its purchasing processes to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure compliance with state laws. 

For the full article, click HERE.

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE BRIEFED ABOUT POSSIBLE IMPEACHMENT OF NU REGENT

LINCOLN - Nebraska lawmakers are moving toward the impeachment of University of Nebraska Regent Elizabeth O’Connor following her involvement in a May 21 DUI-related crash. State Senator Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, who has been leading the push for impeachment, has proposed a timeline to initiate the process on the first day of the 2026 legislative session, January 7, contingent upon O’Connor's resignation. The state's Government, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee, which would handle impeachment proceedings, convened a 30-minute briefing to discuss the process. Committee leadership, including Chair Senator Rita Sanders and Vice Chair Senator Bob Andersen, have publicly called for O’Connor's resignation, with Andersen stating that if she does not step down, the Legislature must act to remove her from office.

The incident in question occurred in Omaha's Benson neighborhood, where O’Connor allegedly drove under the influence, causing a collision that resulted in serious injuries to a passenger. A blood test taken nearly three hours after the crash reportedly showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.321%, more than four times the legal limit. A video of the crash, provided by the injured family, has been made public by Senator Kauth. If O’Connor does not resign, Kauth intends to introduce articles of impeachment, requiring a public hearing. Impeachment would necessitate a majority vote in the 49-member Legislature, and if approved, the case would proceed to the Nebraska Supreme Court for final judgment.

For the full article, click HERE.

FACING A CASS COUNTY STALEMATE, TRAIL DEVELOPMENT TAKES A NEW TURN

LINCOLN — Facing a stalemate with Cass County in developing a recreation trail across that eastern Nebraska county, a local natural resources district is taking a new tack.

At a recent meeting, the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District voted to develop a 2.25-mile segment of trail it already owns in Cass County and to pursue trails that connect two state parks and could eventually link up with a hiking-biking bridge that spans the Platte River near Cedar Creek.

The development comes after the Cass County Board did an about-face in May, deciding against approving a route across the county for a trail to connect recreation trails from Lincoln and Omaha. Such a route had been approved by the County Board last year before an election changed the board’s makeup.

For full article, click HERE.

CITIES COULD DRAMATICALLY CUT CHILDHOOD POVERTY WITH NEW TAX CREDITS, RESEARCH FINDS

LINCOLN - New research indicates that cities can significantly reduce childhood poverty by implementing their own child tax credit programs. An analysis by the Center on Poverty and Social Policy at Columbia University and the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy found that offering $1,000 or less annually to low- and middle-income families could decrease child poverty rates by up to 25% in several cities. The study focused on 14 cities, including Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles, and concluded that most could achieve this impact by allocating less than 15% of their municipal revenues to such programs.

Implementing these programs could also stimulate local economies by increasing household spending, boosting demand for local businesses, stabilizing housing markets, and enhancing local tax revenues. While cities without existing income taxes may face challenges in establishing these programs, the success of pandemic-era basic income initiatives demonstrates that cities can distribute funds through standalone applications, leveraging IRS data-sharing agreements or collaborating with third-party administrators. Advocates support refundable tax credits, which provide financial relief even to families with minimal or no income tax liability, thereby offering direct assistance for essential needs like groceries and childcare.

For the full article, click HERE.